Sunday at Umlauf with Ian

(The greatest form of flattery)

I first met Ian in a production of Mary Poppins at ZACH Theatre. I thought he had great facial features and then I saw him dance. I had taken a few pictures and I thought it would be interesting to photograph a dancer at various locations around Austin. I'm always thinking art and fashion when I decide to create art.

(Incredible height, the grace of a dancer)

(Inspiration from the sculpture)

There are many people I want to photograph, but the timing isn't always right. Sometimes I'm available and they aren't and vice versa. It has taken, months or years before I was able to photograph someone, but it was definitely worth the wait. I do my best to get to know the people I'm interested in photographing. I know what works as far as attire and I have an idea of how to set up the perfect shot.

(Ian in Mary Poppins, this is where we first met)

Ian told me when he would be available and we went from there. There was only one draw back, he was about to have shoulder surgery and I didn't want him to injure himself for the sake of my art.
I was quite impressed with what we had to work with. The first location was going to be The Hope Gallery, also known as Grafitti Park, but there were too many people. In the past when I was going to use tthis loccation I went right after church and there were a lot of people.

(The artist gets in on the act, using a secondary camera and a timer.)

My second location was at ZACH to photograph Ian against the blue wall and the glass along the ramp. I usually insert myself into some of the images using two cameras and a timer. They images looked good, but I wouldn't know for sure until I would look at them on the computer.
As most people know, I am not one for photoshopping images. I like capturing what my eye sees and if it doesn't come out right I work on it. I  like using natural light and making my subject as comfortable as possible. That's what makes the photographs beautiful works of art.

(When dealing with models you have to remind them to bring certain things. Ian was prepared with props, shoes and clothing choices. Doesn't get an easier than that.)

My next location was the Umlauf sculpture garden. This was going to be my first time going there as was Ian's. I really didn't know what the place would look like and I really had nothing in mind other than to have Ian strike dance poses among the sculptures.

(After looking at this image, it made me think of the film Footloose and the hat stays on)

I mentioned to Ian how I felt dancers, athletes and construction workers make for the best models. They don't really need much guidance and are used to flexing their muscles. I prefer using people who have never modeled before because the shots or so much more organic and I make it a point to do most of the work when I get a great pose.

Everything at Umlauf was impromptu. As I saw a sculpture or location I'd give Ian a few minutes to get set up and then I would start shooting. Sometimes as he was in a stretching pose or a little warm up before a leap or an extension. Striking the same pose as a sculpture...

I really enjoyed this photo shoot. Once he heals perhaps I'll have the opportunity to photograph him and his wife who is also a dancer.

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Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Do return to see where the journey leads.

Please Touch The Art

(Tom discusses one of the pieces with one of the models)

(art lovers at the bar)

Most artists and galleries would cringe if someone touched the art, but Tom Suhler encourages it on several of his pieces at his Exposure Gallery located at 777 Shady Lane just off 7th Street in Austin, TX. It's all part of the East Austin Studio Tours that kicked off today and tomorrow and then again next weekend. 11 AM - 6 PM.

 If my schedule permits I will check out another loccation next week.

 The new pieces are part of an ongoing series of photographing his subjects who happen to be dancers, underwater. There is an array of colors that make you think of so many things. When I first look at art I just look at it for what it is. I'm not trying to find any deep meaning because sometimes there isn't one. Being an artist myself I understand the purpose of art is to make people think. If that doesn't happen then you haven't achieved the ultimate goal.

There is one piece in the gallery that looks as if it needs to be touch and several people including myself made that mistake and touched it. Perhaps the artist should consider changing it to move.

It was quite interesting when I was putting the piece back on its hook, someone walked up to me and said I did the same thing. So I made the next person I saw try to move it comfortable by letting them know they were not alone.

With each exhibition, Tom Suhler moves forward in making his work interactive. This show was linked in with an app in which you could engage in selective pieces in the gallery. Creating work that could also be construde as controversial is also the job of the artist. That's usually always the case when the human body is visible without anything to hide the nakedness. People still have an issue with the human form despite how beautiful it can be if captured in the right way.

The array of colors and the display of the art brought many internal thoughts that soon came out amongst the people in the gallery as well as the artist himself. Artists have this issue of always feeling the work is never complete. That something else could have been done.
I listened in on Tom talking to one of the models and asking questions of whether or not the conditions could have been better. How this project came about would be a great documentary or book. I do recall three years ago when I went to Exposure for the first time there was a video of the work that was on display which was shot in the studio.

(I'm always creating art within art)

It's always interesting the directions that conversations go in and yet you come back to the art. The colors reminded the artist of Mardi Gras from one image as there was purple and gold hues. There was one image that made me think of Dante's Inferno. There was a striking blue tint that just set one picture off that I found to be very intriguing.
Politics was discussed briefly with a few people that had come to the gallery on several occasions and I shared an idea for a project I've been working on with a few people.

(Part of the permanent display from the first show I had seen at the gallery)

This evening also made a few people recall how we met and what caused a friendship to form.
Get away from whatever is troubling you for a few hours and check out some art. It's the best free escape this weekend.

As I wrote this entry I was listening to Jean Luc Ponte which was one of the conversations that popped up last night. My favorite song is Individual Choice.

American Diabetes Assc Part3

Artography by Dlonzo

“It’s not just a Photograph, it’s Art!”

Images from the American Diabetes Association Step Out Walk November 8, 2014

If Your image does not appear keep checking back. All images will be posted by the end of the week.

You are under no obligation to purchase your photos. You can download them onto your social media pages, the only thing I ask is that you tag Dlonzo Oznold.

If you decide you wish to purchase your photograph send me an email at Photo1960@aol.com

4 x 6 print $1.00 each   5 x 7 print $5.00 each    8 x 10 print $15.00 each

If two or more people in a group photo purchase an 8 x10 print the price will be $10.00 each

Images that are purchased will not have the tag on them.

At the bottom right corner next to the photo is a number in parenthesis that you are to use if are requesting a picture.

Keep me in mind for any events you may be a part of. If you’d like to see samples of my work send me an email or look at my blog entries, The Story behind the Photograph.

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

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Taking it one day at a time and keep the faith.

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If you don't see your images, check all of the posts. There are many images that were taken depending on whether you took a picture before the race or after. With or without a group, or if you were asked to pose for additional pics.